BANGOR – George Zitaner of Bangor was named the Knights of Pythias grand chancellor of Maine at the organization’s annual convention on April 22 in Bangor.

Zitaner, who works as a courier and an electrician, has been involved with the Knights of Pythias for many years and is a member of the Colonel Brewer Lodge 56 in Brewer.

Zitaner has chosen as his charitable program Operation Lift-Off of Maine, which grants wishes to critically ill children. Last year, the Knights of Pythias raised more than $5,000 for Operation Lift-Off.

Those who will assist Zitaner as grand chancellor this year are Freeman Farrington of Andover, grand vice chancellor; Carl Young of Bangor, grand prelate; Clem Worcester of Hanover, grand secretary; Clyde Barker of Strong, grand treasurer; Wally Brewer of Boothbay, grand master at arms; George Simmons of Cushing, grand inner guard; and Robert Morton of East Boothbay, grand outer guard.